Displacement air cleaner



Oct. 23, 1956 D, P. EAS'II'MAN 7 2,767,805

DISPLACEMENT AIR CLEANER Filed Oct. 11, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 fizveizforflavz ldflazszman Oct. 23, 1956 D. P. EASTMAN DISPLACEMENT AIR CLEANER mwg United States Patent DISPLACEMENT AIR CLEANER David P. Eastman,Chicago, Ill., assignor to United Specialties Company, Chicago, III., acorporation of Delaware Application October 11, 1954, Serial No. 461,402

12 Claims. (Cl. 183-15) This invention relates to an air cleaner and hasfor one object the provision of a cleaning device adapted to remove dustand other impurities from moving air as that air moves to a point ofuse. An object is an automotive air cleaner arranged for use with aninternal combustion engine and adapted to remove dust and otherimpurities from the air as the air moves from the outside to the enginecylinder.

In the particular form here shown, the invention is embodied in an oilbath air cleaner in which, in addition to passage members suitable forconducting the air through the cleaner and to a point of discharge fromthe cleaner, there is an oil sump, a filter mass preferably above thesump and beyond the sump in the direction of air flow. Also in the pathof the air through the cleaner, there is positioned a baflle. Thisbaffle is normally positioned within the sump member and one of theobjects of the invention is to obtain more precise control of the oil orother liquid within the sump or reservoir with respect to the amount ofthe oil or liquid which may be carried into the filter mass as theresult of air flow through the cleaner during use.

Another object of the invention is a ready passage means wherebycollected dust and other foreign matter moves or is moved readily fromthe filter mass to the lower position of the liquid sump or reservoir.

A still further object is to provide a baffle construction which iseffective to control the displacement of liquid from the reservoir whichmight otherwise result when the cleaner is tipped or tilted in use, forexample, as a result of tipping, bouncing or tilting of the vehicle uponwhich the cleaner is mounted.

Other objects will appear from time to time throughout thespecifications and claims.

The invention is illustrated more or less diagrammatically in theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation with parts in section illustrating one formof the device.

Figure 2 is a transverse section taken at line 2--2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view generally similar to Figure l, andshowing a modified form of the device partially in section and partiallyin side elevation.

Like parts are designated by like characters throughout.

1 is a sump vessel or cup and it is arranged of suitable size and shapeto contain an adequate quantity of liquid 2 as indicated in Figure 1. Itis also preferably of such size and shape as to accommodate a baffle. Inthe particular form shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cup is shaped toprovide a shoulder 3 above which it is enlarged as at 4. Its upper outeredge may be rounded as at 5. A pair of notched or slotted lugs 6 ispositioned on the exterior of the member 1.

7 is a housing member arranged to contain a filter mass 8. A center tube9 is positioned Within the housing 7, and furnishes an inner housingsection for positioning and maintaining the filter mass 8. A spider 10is positioned to engage and support the lower end of the center tube 9and the spider also engages and is secured to the housing 7 by means ofits external cylindrical position 11. The spider 10 is provided withspoke-like members 12, which support a screen or other air perviousmember 13 beyond which the filter mass rests. The filter mass may, ifdesired, be uniform throughout, or it may be provided with a main uppersection of a given material or given compactness, and it may be a lowersection 14 of difierent material or difierent compactness. Thisparticular invention is not limited to any type of filter mass or filterarrangement and the filter arrangement shown is merely typical of whatmay be used if desired.

A top or cover portion 15 closes the upper end of the housing 7 andengages the center tube 9. An outlet passage member 16 penetrates thehousing 15 and furnishes an outlet passage for cleaned air emerging fromthe cleaner. If desired, an inwardly turned member 17 may be fixed tothe center tube 9 above the filter mass and this member serves, amongother purposes, that of pushing the screen 18 positioned generally onthe top of the filter mass, and it may also serve the purpose ofretaining particles of liquid which have moved to the top of the filtermass and which might tend to move from the filter mass through theoutlet 16.

The housing member 7 is provided also with a ring 19 which carries alaterally directed flange 20. This flange, when the parts are assembled,rests upon the edge 5 of the sump member and limits the inward movementof the housing 7 and of the parts fixed in relation to it with respectto the sump cup 1.

One or more movably mounted fastening members 21 may be attached to thehousing 7 in any desired manner. As shown in Figure 1, these members 21,which are threaded at their free ends as at 22, are hinged to eyes 23which are joined to or form a part of, a band or collar 24 positionedabout the housing 7 and above the flange 20. When the parts areassembled, the members 21 are positioned as shown in Figures 1 and 2 inthe slots of the lugs 6, and thumb nuts 25 which are positioned on thethreaded portions 22, are tightened to hold the parts in place.

Fastened to the under surface of the spider 1G, and adjacent the housing7, may be one or more springs 26. These springs are secured to thespider in any desired manner. As shown they are fastened by members 27integral with the spider and partially severed from it to engage theparts 28 of the springs 26.

A hollow baflle is positioned within the sump member l, and as shown itis a generally annular member provided with walls so shaped and securedtogether that the baflie, which is hollow, does not contain any liquidand possesses substantial displacement when liquid is present in thesump. The invention is not necessarily limited to any precise shape forthe baffle and any bafile structure of suitable shape and of effectivedisplacement will carry out the purposes of the invention. It isessential merely that the baffle be so shaped and constructed that ithas within itself a substantial volume from which liquid is excluded atall times.

In the particular form shown in Figure l, the baffle which is designatedgenerally in both forms of the invention by the letter B, is formed of aplate or sheet having an outer cylindrical portion 29 and an inwardlyand upwardly inclined portion 30. The member 29 terminates at its upperend in an outwardly directed flange 31. The baffle is completed by aplate 32 or sheet which is of generally conical shape and may have afiat portion 33 which terminates in' an upwardly and outwardly directedpart 34 overlying and fixed to the flange 31. At its inner end the sheetor plate member 32 has a relatively cylindrical portion 35, which fitsclosely within and is secured to a cylin drical portion 36 formedpreferably as a part of the member 30. The portion may or may not havean inwardly bent lip-like part 37.

The bafiie is thus formed of the members 29, 30, and 32, whichconstitute an air-tight and liquid-tight chamber which acts as thebafile and also displaces a substantial volume of liquid when the sumpcontains the proper quantity of liquid for proper operating conditions.

The bafile may also have mounted upon it a generally conical or upwardlypointed member ber may, if desired, have in its apex, a perforation 39.It is positioned above the surface of the member 32 and is secured tothat member by feet portions 40. A clear ance of substantial size isthus provided about the periphcry of the member 38 and between it andthe member 32..

When the baffle is in position in the sump member 1 the flange 31 andthe flange 34 which is fixed to it rest upon the shoulder 3 of the sumpcup. The spring or springs 26 bear upon the portion 33 and since thisspring is under compression when the parts are drawn together as shownin Figure 1, the spring or springs hold the bafiie firmly against theshoulder 3 and prevent rattling or displacement.

When the parts are separated for cleaning or repair, the thumb nuts 22are loosened, the members 21 are moved out of engagement with theslotted members 6, and the upper assembly, including the housing section7 and all the parts joined to it is removed from the lower assembly,which includes the sump cup and the baflie. When the two main assembliesare thus separated, the baffie may be lifted out of place and the sumpmay be cleaned, the oil changed, or any other necessary adjustments maybe made. When the parts are thus separated, the filter mass may also becleaned and any repairs or adjustments required are made.

In the modified form of Figure 3 the parts are generally the same inessence as those shown in the earlier figures. As in the case of thosefigures, there is a sump, a battle within the sump, and an upper housingenclosing a filter mass.

The sump member or sump cup of Figure 3 comprises the member 41 which isa generally cylindrical outer wall member. It is downwardly andoutwardly bent as at 42 to form an upwardly directed lip 43. A secondshort cylindrical portion 44 is integral with the remainder of the cup41, and terminates at its upper edge in a bead 45. One or more slottedlugs 46 may be positioned on the exterior of the cup position 41. Thecup is completed by the bottom member 47, integral with the side wall41. The member 47 may be upwardly curved or dished as indicated. A studguide 48 is secured to the inner face of the member 47 by welding orotherwise, and is provided with an interiorly threaded portion 49 whichremovably receives the threaded end 50 of the stud 51.

The stud carries at its upper end a thumb nut portion 52, by means ofwhich it may be rotated. The stud is also provided with lateralenlargements 53 intermediate to its ends. The stud is fastened withinthe bathe structure in such manner as to prevent separation but topermit some relative movement of the parts. The bafile comprises abottom plate 54, inclined somewhat inwardly and upwardly and having anintegral portion 55 which is generally cylindrical and forms the outerwall of the baflie. The wall 55 terminates in a laterally directedflange 56. A second member 57 forms the upper surface of the baffle, andthis member is shaped to overlie the flange 56 as at 58. The sealing orpacking member 59 may be positioned beneath the flanges 56 and 58, and adownwardly directed peripheral flange 60 serves to hold the member 59 inplace. When the parts are assembled, as shown in Figure 3, the sealingmember 59 is positioned upon the lip 43. A ring-like extension 61 may bepositioned upon the flattened portion 62 of the member 57.

A generally conical upwardly facing member 63 is fixed in relation tothe battle. It is secured to feet portions 64 This memwhich form a partof a generally conical downwardly directed member 65. The feet 64 arewelded or otherwise secured to the member 63 and to the battle member57. The stud 51 passes freely through perforations in the members 63 and65 and may be rotated with relation to these members to engage the studguide 48 and to draw the parts into proper position to seal the baifieto the sump cup and to prevent looseness and rattling. A sealing member66 is positioned beneath the head of the stud 51 and above the upper endof the member 63.

upper assembly of the cleaner of Figure 3 is shown only sufficiently tomake clear the fact that it is present and includes a housing, a filtermass, and means for attaching the assembly to the sump and battleassembly. As shown, the upper assembly comprises a generallycylindrical. housing 66' to which are positioned cars 67 attached to orforming a part of a band 68. Fixed to the member 66' is a handle member69, terminating in an outwardly directed flange 70, beneath which ispositioned a sealing band 71. When the parts are assembled, the member71 is in sealing contact with the bead 45 on the upper edge of the sumpcup.

Movably mounted in the eye members 67, is a pair of attached members 72.Each is threaded at its lower end as at 73. It carries a thumb nut 74.

The upper assembly includes also a central inlet tube 75. One or morefiltered cartridges 76 is removably positioned within the annular spacedefined by the housing 65 and the center tube 75. As shown, this filtercartridge comprises an inner tubular member 77 and an outer cylindricalmember 78 joined by a spider 79. The spider carries a screen member 80upon which the filter mass rests. The tubular member 77 may be providedwith a groove 81 to receive one or more spring fingers 82 positioned onthe center tube 75. These spring fingers may be moved inwardly to thecenter of the tube 75 to free them from engagement with the groove 81.They are normally biased to spring into the groove when free to do so.They assist in holding the filter cartridge or cartridges in place. Thespring 83 which is fixed to the lowermost filter cartridge, if more thanone is pres ent, bears upon the plate 61 or the fiat portion 62 of thebathe and further assists in positioning the filter mass whether thelatter includes one or more cartridges, and thus avoids looseness of theparts and prevents rattling.

When the cleaner is to be repaired or cleaned, the thumb nuts 74 areloosened, the members 72 are moved out of engagement with the lugs 46,and the two cleaner assemblies, the upper and the lower, may beseparated. The battle assembly may then be removed by rotating the stud51 until it is disengaged from the member 48, and the baffie assemblymay then be moved out of the cup 41 so that the parts may be cleaned andthe oil changed or removed.

Also when the parts have been separated, the filter mass may be cleaned,and it the removable filter cartridges are included, they may be removedfrom the assembly by moving the spring finger 82 out of engagement withthe groove 81. Thus the parts may be separated for cleaning and repairand they may be reassembled thereafter. They are so shaped that they canbc reassembled only in correct position.

The use, operation and function of my invention are as follows:

Air cleaners of considerable diameter are required for large machines,and the area of the liquid pool in the reservoir becomes relativelylarge. Between the lower end of the air inlet and the air deflectingmeans in the sump, there must be suificieut space to permit the airstream to flow without crowding. The large area of the reservoir coupledwith the large gap required between the deflector and the lower edge ofthe air inlet tube gives rise to a relatively large volume of liquidwhich must be displaced by the air moving through the cleaner. Actually,the amount of liquid displaced has been greater than necessary foradequate cleaning, and the excess liquid carried to the filter hasadversely affected the capacity of the air cleaner assembly.

The displacement type of bafile shown in Figures 1 and 3 reduces thediameter of the liquid pool available to the moving air. The bafiiereduces the quantity of liquid available to the air stream for transferto the filter mass to as much as one-fourth of what would be transferredif no displacement of liquid within the reservoir was provided. As theair flows through the air cleaner, the liquid in the sump will belowered from the level shown to a level somewhere in the region of thecylindrical portion 36 in Figure 1. Since the pool is confined betweenthe walls of the conical upper surface of the displacement bafi le, thevolume will be considerably less than in the more conventional type ofbaffiing arrangement where liquid also fills the volume below member 32.

Formation of the lower surface of the displacement bafile into adownwardly sloping conical body 30 provides an advantage in liquidcontrol when the air cleaner is tipped at an angle, for example, when atractor or other piece of equipment on which the air cleaner is mountedoperates on a grade. In the conventional type of air cleaner undertipped conditions, the liquid surface stands at an angle to the axis ofthe air cleaner. The liquid level will be high on one side of the aircleaner and low on the other. In an air cleaner equipped with adisplacement bafile, tipping of the air cleaner will produce less riseof liquid on the one side because lowering of the liquid on the oppositeside uncovers a portion of the displacement bafile. Considering thetipping of a liquid vessel as transfer of liquid from one side of thesump to the other, the displacement bafile has effectively removedliquid from the one side, and there is no liquid on this one side withinthe displacement bafile which may be transferred to the other side.Thus, the rise of liquid at one side of the air cleaner under tippedconditions is materially reduced or entirely eliminated, because liquidis not available on the opposite side.

The purpose of providing the conical shape on the bottom of thedisplacement battle is to prevent liquid from breaking away from theunder side of the displacement baffle under tipped conditions. As soonas the liquid level in tipped condition breaks away from thedisplacement baffle, liquid formerly beneath the displacement bafllewill be effectively displaced and will give rise to an increase inliquid level on the opposite side. The displacement bafile thereforeincreases the air flow capacity of the air cleaner when the vehicle isoperating on a grade.

It should be obvious that a gasket such as at 59 in Figure 3 between thebaffle and the shoulder can be used in the Figure 1 species. It shouldalso be understood that the dimensioning of the parts such as the cup,the bafile, the housing, and the springs 26 and 83 is such that when thecup is fully seated on the housing by the attaching mechanism, a forcefit is effected so that the baffle will be seated against the shoulder,regardless of whether the gasket is present or not.

While I have shown and described a preferred form and one modificationof my invention, it should be understood that numerous modifications,changes, substitutions and alterations can be made without departingfrom the inventions underlying theme. I therefore wish that my inventionbe unrestricted except as by the appended claims herein.

I claim:

1. In a liquid bath air cleaner, a housing defining an air path withfiltering means therein and having an air inlet and outlet, a liquidreservoir in communication with the air path, and a liquid tight hollowdisplacement bathe in the reservoir spaced from the bottom of thereservoir and defining upper and lower liquid chambers.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which the bafile converges inwardly to acenter opening and is sealed to the sides of the reservoir so thatliquid communication between the chambers is only possible through thecenter opening.

3. The structure of claim 2 in which the baflle is generally annular.

4. The structure of claim 2 characterized by and including a defiecterpositioned over but spaced from the center opening.

5. In a liquid bath air cleaner, a housing defining an air path withfiltering means therein and having an air inlet and outlet, and a liquidreservoir in communication with the air path, the reservoir beingcomposed of upper and lower chambers that converge to a center accessbetween them, only the upper chamber being in direct communication withthe air path.

6. The structure of claim 5 in which a displacement battle with a centeropening is positioned in the reservoir and defines the chambers.

7. The structure of claim 5 in which the housing is generallycylindrical.

8. In a liquid bath air cleaner, a generally cylindrical housing with anair path through it, an inlet and outlet in the housing, filter means inthe air path, a reservoir cup removably attached to and closing thebottom of the housing, a shoulder formed around the cup, a liquidtighthollow displacement baffle in the cup mounted on the shoulder, and meansdepending from the housing engaging the baffie, the fit between theparts being such that the bafile is forced firmly against the shoulderwhen the cup is fully seated on the housing.

9. The structure of claim 8 characterized by and including gasket meansbetween the shoulder and bafile.

10. The structure of claim 8 in which both the upper and lower surfacesof the baflle converge inwardly toward each other to a center opening,the baflle being spaced from the bottom of the cup.

11. In a liquid bath air cleaner, a housing defining an air path havingan inlet and outlet with a filtering medium between them in the airpath, a liquid reservoir in the housing in communication with the airpath, and a liquidtight hollow displacement baflle in the reservoirdividing the reservoir into upper and lower liquid chamberscommunicating with each other by a passage, only the upper chamber beingin direct communication with the air path.

12. The structure of claim 11 in which the passage establishingcommunication between the liquid chambers is disposed generally throughthe center of the displacement bafile.

Kamrath Feb. 9, 1943 Browne et al. Jan. 3, 1950

